The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is facing criticism for a policy that reportedly tolerates assault while punishing self-defence. According to a report by former MP Kevin Vuong, a seven-year-old boy at a west-end Toronto school has been repeatedly attacked by a classmate since January 2026, yet the board has warned the victim that if he defends himself, he will face zero tolerance consequences.
Repeated Assaults at School
On Jan. 23, the seven-year-old was playing soccer at recess when another child threw him to the ground, punched him four times in the back of the head, and stood over him asking, “Have you had enough, or do you want some more?” The aggressor is in Grade 2. Four days later, the same child sought the victim out to swear at him by name. On Feb. 23, the victim was kicked while lining up. On March 11, a hard object was thrown at his face, striking him above the eye and raising a welt on the orbital bone. On March 25, he was hit in the stomach from behind while at bat.
Through all incidents, the victim never retaliated. He told his parents, his family doctor, and the principal that he no longer feels safe at recess, which used to be his favourite part of the day. He now spends recess staying away from his assailant.
TDSB Response: Progressive Discipline for Aggressor, Warning for Victim
The TDSB principal reportedly focused on reassuring the victim's parents. The principal explained that the aggressor already receives maximum resources, including an adult at his side all day. The superintendent echoed this when the family escalated the issue. The only new measure implemented after weeks of incidents was routing the aggressor through a different door at recess.
The board uses “progressive discipline” for the child throwing punches, providing understanding, context, and infinite second chances, including sympathy, hugs, and story time. However, the victim’s mother was told plainly that if her son ever raised a hand to protect himself, he would face zero tolerance. Vuong writes: “The aggressor gets process. The victim gets a warning.”
Broader Impact: Multiple Families Affected
At least four other families have come forward to the victim’s mother, reporting that their own children have been hurt by the same child. Vuong notes that this changes the problem from a single case of targeted bullying to one child repeatedly harming those around him. He argues that the child who hurts others is also being failed, as the setting cannot meet his needs or keep anyone safe.
Vuong, a former MP for Spadina-Fort York and a naval reserve officer, calls for the school board to develop a proper solution before the next school year, stating that “supporting [the aggressor] and protecting everyone else are not opposing goals, but, right now, the board is achieving neither.”
